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Murray Family #11
Highland Champion
Liam Cameron is certain he's died and gone to heaven when he opens his eyes to the angel before him. But the pain that wracks his body proves he is still earth-bound. Keira Murray MacKail saved Liam's life --- and he has some enticing ways he would like to thank her. Soon, lust gives way to a feeling much more profound for a woman whose battles he wants to fight ... though he fears the most difficult one will be for her heart ...
Keira quickly learns that Liam has danger chasing him. As her healing kindness frees him to tell his tale, she confides the trouble that plagues her: she is a laird's widow now responsible for saving a small village pillaged by cruel invaders. But even as Liam makes the crusade to reclaim her lands his own, he will face a far greater challenge to win her trust --- and her love --- for all time ...
Keira quickly learns that Liam has danger chasing him. As her healing kindness frees him to tell his tale, she confides the trouble that plagues her: she is a laird's widow now responsible for saving a small village pillaged by cruel invaders. But even as Liam makes the crusade to reclaim her lands his own, he will face a far greater challenge to win her trust --- and her love --- for all time ...
380 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
161 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
117 books2,649 followersHannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
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July 2, 2021
Лиъм Камерън и Кийра Мъри
Лиъм Камерън се събужда на непознато място, само за да осъзнае, че е бил пребит жестоко и сега за него се грижи непозната красавица заедно с братовчед си, който е негов приятел и монах. Лиъм няма идея кой и защо се е опитал да го убие, но точно сега не иска да бъде никъде другаде освен оставен на грижите на прекрасната Кийра Мъри.
Кийра има необикновена дарба, освен че сънува пророчески сънища, тя умее с едно докосване да открие от какво боледува човек и да отнеме болката му. В нощта, в която сънува как един мъж бива пребит и изхвърлен през скала, за да умре, тя моли братовчед си, при който е отседнала в манастира му, да намерят мъжа и да го спасят. Тя знае, че трябва да спаси мъжа, дори ако това я забави в задачата й да изпълни последното желание на мъртвият си съпруг.
Няколко месеца, преди срещата си с Лиъм, Кийра вяра, че никога няма да открие любовта подобно на братовчедките си и копнееща за семейство се съгласява да стане съпруга на леърд Дънкън Маккайл. Скоро обаче, разбира, че макар омъжена за нежен и добър мъж, семейният живот няма да е това, което е очаквала. До деня в който не се появява жесток узурпатор, който убива съпруга й. Преди Дънкън да умре, той напомня на Кийра, че макар да са съпрузи от няколко месеца, тя е наследницата на земите и дома му, и я кара да обещае, че ще помогне на хората си. Пребита, Кийра бяга от дома си, за да потърси убежище в манастира в който живее братовчед й, смятайки да събере сили и да измисли как да изпълни клетвата си, без да замесва семейството си в ужасната кървава битка, която предстои.
Благодарение на красивата си външност, Лиъм винаги е се е радвал на благоразположението на жените, и това е една от причините да напусне манастира, разбирайки, че призванието му не е да служи на Господа. И все пак, той вярва, в божиите заповеди и макар да му се носи славата на развратник, той никога не е прелъстявал омъжени или сгодени жени, нито невинни девойки. Сега обаче, изправен пред жената, за която вярва, че е единствената за него, има трудната задача да я убеди, че не е разгоненото псе за което го мисли. Би било добре по пътят към дома му да не попадат постоянно на жени, които твърдят че са били или искат да бъдат с него, но и така Лиъм е готов на всичко, за да спечели Кийра и да й помогне в борбата срещу злото, окупирало земите й и държащо в плен хората й.
Книжката беше чудесна. Лиъм беше толкова сладък и чаровен като в останалите книги. Кийра от своя страна не бе перфектната героиня. Бе изпълнена с нелогични страхове, и все пак, двамата си паснаха идеално ставайки наистина страхотна двойка. Действието в книгата се развиваше бързо и динамично, нямаше излишни обяснения. Хареса ми. 5 *****
Лиъм Камерън се събужда на непознато място, само за да осъзнае, че е бил пребит жестоко и сега за него се грижи непозната красавица заедно с братовчед си, който е негов приятел и монах. Лиъм няма идея кой и защо се е опитал да го убие, но точно сега не иска да бъде никъде другаде освен оставен на грижите на прекрасната Кийра Мъри.
Кийра има необикновена дарба, освен че сънува пророчески сънища, тя умее с едно докосване да открие от какво боледува човек и да отнеме болката му. В нощта, в която сънува как един мъж бива пребит и изхвърлен през скала, за да умре, тя моли братовчед си, при който е отседнала в манастира му, да намерят мъжа и да го спасят. Тя знае, че трябва да спаси мъжа, дори ако това я забави в задачата й да изпълни последното желание на мъртвият си съпруг.
Няколко месеца, преди срещата си с Лиъм, Кийра вяра, че никога няма да открие любовта подобно на братовчедките си и копнееща за семейство се съгласява да стане съпруга на леърд Дънкън Маккайл. Скоро обаче, разбира, че макар омъжена за нежен и добър мъж, семейният живот няма да е това, което е очаквала. До деня в който не се появява жесток узурпатор, който убива съпруга й. Преди Дънкън да умре, той напомня на Кийра, че макар да са съпрузи от няколко месеца, тя е наследницата на земите и дома му, и я кара да обещае, че ще помогне на хората си. Пребита, Кийра бяга от дома си, за да потърси убежище в манастира в който живее братовчед й, смятайки да събере сили и да измисли как да изпълни клетвата си, без да замесва семейството си в ужасната кървава битка, която предстои.
Благодарение на красивата си външност, Лиъм винаги е се е радвал на благоразположението на жените, и това е една от причините да напусне манастира, разбирайки, че призванието му не е да служи на Господа. И все пак, той вярва, в божиите заповеди и макар да му се носи славата на развратник, той никога не е прелъстявал омъжени или сгодени жени, нито невинни девойки. Сега обаче, изправен пред жената, за която вярва, че е единствената за него, има трудната задача да я убеди, че не е разгоненото псе за което го мисли. Би било добре по пътят към дома му да не попадат постоянно на жени, които твърдят че са били или искат да бъдат с него, но и така Лиъм е готов на всичко, за да спечели Кийра и да й помогне в борбата срещу злото, окупирало земите й и държащо в плен хората й.
Книжката беше чудесна. Лиъм беше толкова сладък и чаровен като в останалите книги. Кийра от своя страна не бе перфектната героиня. Бе изпълнена с нелогични страхове, и все пак, двамата си паснаха идеално ставайки наистина страхотна двойка. Действието в книгата се развиваше бързо и динамично, нямаше излишни обяснения. Хареса ми. 5 *****
September 13, 2012
I wasn't going to write a review for this book. I read it as a palate cleanser after reading something deeper and much more thought-provoking. After all, a romance novel doesn't require much thought, and I enjoy historical romances, but this was absolute crap.
I understand an author's desire, when writing anything historical, to want to be as accurate as possible, but to have all the dialogue in Highland Scots was distracting and unnecessary. If these people were as highborn as the author claims they are, then should they all be speaking with such a low accent anyway? Now an occasional "cannae" or "och" is fine, but all of the dialogue was in dialect. All of it.
I also expect a bit of misogyny in romance novels; after all, they are aimed at women who are trying to hide from their lives in a fantasy where they are swept off their feet by a knight in shining armor, but come on, this book was ridiculous. Everyone tells Keira what a wonderful laird she will be of Ardgleann and how well respected and loved she is by the people there, and in the next breath insist she marry Liam because having a male laird will just be better. Oh, and Liam. Liam Liam Liam, who can only think about getting her pregnant before battle "just in case" when she is thinking more pragmatically about the battle itself and the future of her land. Does she want babies? We don't even find out until later, but what if she didn't?
The one ray of hope I had for this book was that Keira was a widow. "Oh!" I thought, "none of this penetrating the maidenhood crap!" Oh but no, her marriage was never consummated so of course she's a virgin. For once, I'd like to read a romance novel with an experienced woman, not a wilting, submissive stereotype of a virgin. And FYI to all romance writers out there: not all women have vaginal orgasms, an no woman ever has an orgasm every single time she has sex, especially the first time. Find me the woman who claims to and I show you a liar.
I understand an author's desire, when writing anything historical, to want to be as accurate as possible, but to have all the dialogue in Highland Scots was distracting and unnecessary. If these people were as highborn as the author claims they are, then should they all be speaking with such a low accent anyway? Now an occasional "cannae" or "och" is fine, but all of the dialogue was in dialect. All of it.
I also expect a bit of misogyny in romance novels; after all, they are aimed at women who are trying to hide from their lives in a fantasy where they are swept off their feet by a knight in shining armor, but come on, this book was ridiculous. Everyone tells Keira what a wonderful laird she will be of Ardgleann and how well respected and loved she is by the people there, and in the next breath insist she marry Liam because having a male laird will just be better. Oh, and Liam. Liam Liam Liam, who can only think about getting her pregnant before battle "just in case" when she is thinking more pragmatically about the battle itself and the future of her land. Does she want babies? We don't even find out until later, but what if she didn't?
The one ray of hope I had for this book was that Keira was a widow. "Oh!" I thought, "none of this penetrating the maidenhood crap!" Oh but no, her marriage was never consummated so of course she's a virgin. For once, I'd like to read a romance novel with an experienced woman, not a wilting, submissive stereotype of a virgin. And FYI to all romance writers out there: not all women have vaginal orgasms, an no woman ever has an orgasm every single time she has sex, especially the first time. Find me the woman who claims to and I show you a liar.
May 1, 2020
I was happy to find one of the Murray family stories I had not read yet. Liam wakes up to find a beautiful woman tending to his injuries. Keira found Liam after he was beaten by several men. No one is quite sure why the beating, but he had quite a few injuries and a broken leg. Keira is hiding at a monastery while she recovers from injuries too. She is also a gifted healer. Keira has not let her family know where she is or that she is even alive. Liam does attract the attention of a lot of women and one is particular is really causing him trouble. She is probably responsible for his current injuries. As Liam and Keira flee to Liam's family, he discovers exactly why she had been hiding. As they grow closer, Keira knows that Liam will not be able to stay true to her. Liam has always had a code. He knew when he found the right woman, he would marry and stay true. He just can't convince Keira that he will be true.
March 9, 2020
A rip roaring tale with some hot romance thrown in.
September 16, 2013
"She was beautiful in a way that grew more evident the longer one looked at her." p.126, loc.1675
Author: Hannah Howell
First published: 2005
Length: 380 pages, 3458 locations
Setting: Scotland, 1475.
Paranormal: Light paranormal - Kiera has a healing touch. She can remove pain and "see" what's wrong.
Sex: explicit and more descriptive than previous books. First time post marriage.
Heroine: a widow who's late husband was distant. After the BadGuy takes her keep and kills her husband, she is beaten and almost raped.
Series: Book 11 of Howell's Murray series. Book 2 of Cameron family sub-series (although sister Isla had her story told in "Highland Groom", cousin Ewan had his in "Highland Warrior").
Includes: Murray family tree. Excerpt from "Highland Lover" by Hannah Howell.
Yeah, yeah. Another of Hannah Howell's Medieval series. It is just possible I am overdoing my Howell binge... but I don't think so. I'm still enjoying them.
Another solid Medieval from Hannah Howell. "Highland Champion" is a little more bloodthirsty than others with vivid imagery of the after effects of the sacking, and the lives of the people while under the BadGuy's thumb. But the background theme of trust, beauty, and self-belief gives a lighter touch. It works well and is an enjoyable read.
My only complaint is the lack of grovel from Kiera. Given her continual lack of trust, I wanted a more satisfying Road to Forgiveness. We expect it from our Heroes, I wanted it from my heroine.
A nice addition which leads well into further reading of her series.
Murray Family:
Book 7 Highland Angel - Payton Murray and Kirstie Maclye (1468)
Book 8 Highland Groom - Ilsa Cameron and Dairmot MacEnroy (1471)
Book 9 Highland Warrior - Fiona MacEnroy and Ewan MacFingal (1472)
Book 10 Highland Conqueror - Sigimor Cameron and Jolene Girard (1473)
Book 11 Highland Champion - Kiera Murray MacKail and Liam Cameron (1475)
Book 12 Highland Lover - Alana Murray and Gregor MacFingal (1475)
References:
Author's website: http://hannahhowell.com/
(ISBN 0821777580)
-CR-
Author: Hannah Howell
First published: 2005
Length: 380 pages, 3458 locations
Setting: Scotland, 1475.
Paranormal: Light paranormal - Kiera has a healing touch. She can remove pain and "see" what's wrong.
Sex: explicit and more descriptive than previous books. First time post marriage.
Heroine: a widow who's late husband was distant. After the BadGuy takes her keep and kills her husband, she is beaten and almost raped.
Series: Book 11 of Howell's Murray series. Book 2 of Cameron family sub-series (although sister Isla had her story told in "Highland Groom", cousin Ewan had his in "Highland Warrior").
Includes: Murray family tree. Excerpt from "Highland Lover" by Hannah Howell.
Yeah, yeah. Another of Hannah Howell's Medieval series. It is just possible I am overdoing my Howell binge... but I don't think so. I'm still enjoying them.
Another solid Medieval from Hannah Howell. "Highland Champion" is a little more bloodthirsty than others with vivid imagery of the after effects of the sacking, and the lives of the people while under the BadGuy's thumb. But the background theme of trust, beauty, and self-belief gives a lighter touch. It works well and is an enjoyable read.
My only complaint is the lack of grovel from Kiera. Given her continual lack of trust, I wanted a more satisfying Road to Forgiveness. We expect it from our Heroes, I wanted it from my heroine.
A nice addition which leads well into further reading of her series.
Murray Family:
Book 7 Highland Angel - Payton Murray and Kirstie Maclye (1468)
Book 8 Highland Groom - Ilsa Cameron and Dairmot MacEnroy (1471)
Book 9 Highland Warrior - Fiona MacEnroy and Ewan MacFingal (1472)
Book 10 Highland Conqueror - Sigimor Cameron and Jolene Girard (1473)
Book 11 Highland Champion - Kiera Murray MacKail and Liam Cameron (1475)
Book 12 Highland Lover - Alana Murray and Gregor MacFingal (1475)
References:
Author's website: http://hannahhowell.com/
(ISBN 0821777580)
-CR-
December 9, 2011
Well, I'm in the mood of Highlanders...especially Liam Cameron...
[image error]
Liam pikir dia sudah mati dan berada di surga [image error] , saat melihat wajah malaikat Kiera...untung nya dia belum mati karena rasa sakit di seluruh tubuh nya terbukti benar2 luar biasa sakitnya.
Di temukan di selamatkan Lady Kiera, janda Laird Duncan yang menyepi di biara, Liam justru merasa sangat beruntung di selamatkan Kiera yg healer dan agak2 paranormal, yang punya vision ,kalo dia akan menyelamatkan Liam.
Merawat Liam dengan sabar, ehm..Kieransampai ketiduran di perut Liam saking capek nya ngurus Liam yang kaki nya patah..ya ampuuun..sweet banget yaaa... [image error]
Dua minggu Liam di rawat, saat dia melihat ada seorang pendeta yang mencoba memperkosa Kieran, dan tanpa memperdulikan kaki nya yang dalam proses penyembuhan,Liam lari dengan tongkat nya dan menghajar si Pendeta Paul yang kurang ajar itu.
Kiera tentu saja terharu, tapi juga marah sama Liam karena gak memperdulikan kakinya. Liam ga peduli,selama Kiera gak kenapa2. Deeeee...ada mau nya tuh si Liam, Kiera....
Kiera sendiri gak tau kalo Liam naksir berat sama dia sejak awal, mungkin karena Liam mendekati Kieran dengan pelan2, gak grabak grubuk main hajar bleh aja...suka deh dengan cara Liam pelan2 dekati Kieran, seperti anak SMP deketin nya ,malu2...hehehehhehe...sooo cuteeee...... [image error]
Sampai satu hari ada satu perempuan yg gedor2 pintu biara tempat Liam di rawat, Lady Maude, istri orang yg meng-klain kalo Liam adalah "my sweet prince" nya..dan maksa Liam buat ketemu, Liam malah ngajak Kiera kabur dengan Kiera yg terheran2....mereka kabur ke kampung nya si Liam , bermalam di rumah minum merangkap penginapan, yang sialnya ketemu Mary,mantan paramour nya Liam yang menyambut Liam dangan tangan terbuka [image error] ..
Nah,Liam yg keburu jatuh cinta pada Kiera , segera mengenalkan Kiere sebai "istri" nya..mary heran sih, tapi gak masalah,karena Mary ini juga uhuk2 sama sodara2 Liam juga ...hadoooohhhh.... [image error]
Kiera ngambek, berapa banyak sih perempuan yg pernah di tiduri Liam ini sebener nya???? Dengan senyum2 menggoda,Liam mengabsen pacar2 nya (eh,mantan), dari A di absen semua, kecuali, dia ga punya yg namanya awal Z dan X...hahha, lucu banget nih si Liam gangguin Kiera...makin gondok Kiera..pdhl, mereka berbagi kamar lhoooo....yg lucu, masa ada kucing yg tiba2 naik tempat tidur dan ngusel2 di rambut Kiera... (colek Chiko)..... [image error]
Inti cerita ini sih gimana Liam berjuang mendapatkan cinta Kiera yang suaminya di bunuh, jadi janda dan harus menyelamatkan rakyat nya, yang akhir nya dia bisa berharap pada LIam yang di cintainya ini ... Liam,sang playboy tobat, juga bisa membuktikan ke Kiera kalo dia memang benar2 mencintai Kiera dan tidak ada perempuan manapun, bahkan si Maude (yang ternyata bohong kalo dia pernah di tiduri Liam) [image error] ....
Walau dialog nya agak2 sulit di terjemahkan dalam bahasa Inggris yang baik dan benar, aku akan cari buku2 Howell lagi, jatuh cinta sama para Highlander2nya yang seksi2.....hm..dan love scen nya lumayan bikin "mendamba" ....
So, ini salah satu buku yang aku sarankan buat di baca, dan pantas buat di koleksi.... [image error]
Liam pikir dia sudah mati dan berada di surga [image error] , saat melihat wajah malaikat Kiera...untung nya dia belum mati karena rasa sakit di seluruh tubuh nya terbukti benar2 luar biasa sakitnya.
Di temukan di selamatkan Lady Kiera, janda Laird Duncan yang menyepi di biara, Liam justru merasa sangat beruntung di selamatkan Kiera yg healer dan agak2 paranormal, yang punya vision ,kalo dia akan menyelamatkan Liam.
Merawat Liam dengan sabar, ehm..Kieransampai ketiduran di perut Liam saking capek nya ngurus Liam yang kaki nya patah..ya ampuuun..sweet banget yaaa... [image error]
Dua minggu Liam di rawat, saat dia melihat ada seorang pendeta yang mencoba memperkosa Kieran, dan tanpa memperdulikan kaki nya yang dalam proses penyembuhan,Liam lari dengan tongkat nya dan menghajar si Pendeta Paul yang kurang ajar itu.
Kiera tentu saja terharu, tapi juga marah sama Liam karena gak memperdulikan kakinya. Liam ga peduli,selama Kiera gak kenapa2. Deeeee...ada mau nya tuh si Liam, Kiera....
Kiera sendiri gak tau kalo Liam naksir berat sama dia sejak awal, mungkin karena Liam mendekati Kieran dengan pelan2, gak grabak grubuk main hajar bleh aja...suka deh dengan cara Liam pelan2 dekati Kieran, seperti anak SMP deketin nya ,malu2...hehehehhehe...sooo cuteeee...... [image error]
Sampai satu hari ada satu perempuan yg gedor2 pintu biara tempat Liam di rawat, Lady Maude, istri orang yg meng-klain kalo Liam adalah "my sweet prince" nya..dan maksa Liam buat ketemu, Liam malah ngajak Kiera kabur dengan Kiera yg terheran2....mereka kabur ke kampung nya si Liam , bermalam di rumah minum merangkap penginapan, yang sialnya ketemu Mary,mantan paramour nya Liam yang menyambut Liam dangan tangan terbuka [image error] ..
Nah,Liam yg keburu jatuh cinta pada Kiera , segera mengenalkan Kiere sebai "istri" nya..mary heran sih, tapi gak masalah,karena Mary ini juga uhuk2 sama sodara2 Liam juga ...hadoooohhhh.... [image error]
Kiera ngambek, berapa banyak sih perempuan yg pernah di tiduri Liam ini sebener nya???? Dengan senyum2 menggoda,Liam mengabsen pacar2 nya (eh,mantan), dari A di absen semua, kecuali, dia ga punya yg namanya awal Z dan X...hahha, lucu banget nih si Liam gangguin Kiera...makin gondok Kiera..pdhl, mereka berbagi kamar lhoooo....yg lucu, masa ada kucing yg tiba2 naik tempat tidur dan ngusel2 di rambut Kiera... (colek Chiko)..... [image error]
Inti cerita ini sih gimana Liam berjuang mendapatkan cinta Kiera yang suaminya di bunuh, jadi janda dan harus menyelamatkan rakyat nya, yang akhir nya dia bisa berharap pada LIam yang di cintainya ini ... Liam,sang playboy tobat, juga bisa membuktikan ke Kiera kalo dia memang benar2 mencintai Kiera dan tidak ada perempuan manapun, bahkan si Maude (yang ternyata bohong kalo dia pernah di tiduri Liam) [image error] ....
Walau dialog nya agak2 sulit di terjemahkan dalam bahasa Inggris yang baik dan benar, aku akan cari buku2 Howell lagi, jatuh cinta sama para Highlander2nya yang seksi2.....hm..dan love scen nya lumayan bikin "mendamba" ....
So, ini salah satu buku yang aku sarankan buat di baca, dan pantas buat di koleksi.... [image error]
January 7, 2019
3.5 stars.
This one is about Liam Cameron, the too-good looking Cameron cousin who had studied in a monastery for a few years. As the book started, he was seriously beaten by unknown assailants and then rescued by our heroine, Keira.
Keira is a Murray with special healing abilities and was herself healing from injuries inflicted by the man who killed her husband. Liam vowed to champion Keira in taking back her husband's holdings And so with the help of Liam's cousins, the Camerons and the MacFingals, as well as Keira's Murray brothers, they planned their attack...
There's a bit of a side-story with Liam being pursued by a woman who claimed they were lovers and Keira having doubts about Liam's commitment to her. I found this part a bit silly, but it did precipitated their meeting.
Overall, another fun Scottish Highlander romp.
This one is about Liam Cameron, the too-good looking Cameron cousin who had studied in a monastery for a few years. As the book started, he was seriously beaten by unknown assailants and then rescued by our heroine, Keira.
Keira is a Murray with special healing abilities and was herself healing from injuries inflicted by the man who killed her husband. Liam vowed to champion Keira in taking back her husband's holdings And so with the help of Liam's cousins, the Camerons and the MacFingals, as well as Keira's Murray brothers, they planned their attack...
There's a bit of a side-story with Liam being pursued by a woman who claimed they were lovers and Keira having doubts about Liam's commitment to her. I found this part a bit silly, but it did precipitated their meeting.
Overall, another fun Scottish Highlander romp.
April 9, 2008
Book #2 of the series, and I'm hooked!
I adore the series. The characters seem completely real. You can't help but feel for Keira, and can't help by love Liam. Howell describes the surroundings so well that you feel like you're there, back in time, watching all of it unfold before you.
The action was great in all scenes, whether a fight or between Liam and Keira. Excellent novel, can't wait to get #3!
I adore the series. The characters seem completely real. You can't help but feel for Keira, and can't help by love Liam. Howell describes the surroundings so well that you feel like you're there, back in time, watching all of it unfold before you.
The action was great in all scenes, whether a fight or between Liam and Keira. Excellent novel, can't wait to get #3!
March 9, 2020
Fantastic
I loved the book from start to finish. The characters were real and situations believable. The only thing I didn't like was the cover. How can you put a blonde when the heroine has black hair?
I loved the book from start to finish. The characters were real and situations believable. The only thing I didn't like was the cover. How can you put a blonde when the heroine has black hair?
March 25, 2025
Amo molto le saghe romance in cui personaggi secondari di altri romanzi diventano i protagonisti di volta in volta. Tuttavia non avevo mai letto nulla di Hannah Howell e quindi non conoscevo il complesso albero genealogico dei Murray e tutte le storie a loro dedicate e non ho potuto godere di questo incentivo alla lettura.
Passiamo quindi agli elementi (due in particolare) che non mi sono piaciuti.
Il primo è la visione della chiesa che viene proposta. Il monastero in cui vengono accolti Keira e Liam poteva essere un luogo estremamente interessante da descrivere e ricco di spunti narrativi. Purtroppo la Howell ha voluto cedere il fianco ad accuse non troppo velate molto in voga ormai nella letteratura moderna. Se da una parte poteva essere interessante il personaggio di Kester, novizio al monastero perché obbligato dalla famiglia ad abbracciare la fede pur non avendo la vocazione (peccato che complessivamente il personaggio non venga troppo approfondito e chissà se sarà il protagonista di qualche romanzo futuro della saga, vista la sua giovanissima età), dall’altra ho trovato esagerata la presenza di monaci che tentano di violentare Keira perché desiderosi della sua carne (senza avere almeno un contraltare di uomini veramente di fede all’interno del monastero). Quello che spiazza è la moda sempre più diffusa di tratteggiare uomini di Chiesa che in realtà non hanno idea di cosa sia Dio e non sanno quale sia la loro missione nel mondo (e dire che di esempi notevoli ve ne sono stati e ve ne sono molti). Peccato aver sprecato un’occasione per raccontare questa realtà medievale, in cui si potevano descrivere luci ed ombre (ma non solo le ombre!).
Il secondo elemento che non ho apprezzato è legato ad un’altra deriva del romance più recente: il sesso. E non per la descrizione poco gradevole di scene intime che di fatto allentano la tensione narrativa, ma per il modo in cui viene passato il concetto che i rapporti tra un uomo e una donna non siano un dono esclusivo e prezioso, ma che, viceversa, viene visto come piacere puro e semplice (che poi esista l’amore è un altro conto, quello verrà prima o poi, ma intanto perché aspettarlo? Andiamo con chi ci capita, sia essa una cameriera, una sguattera o chiunque respiri). Perché si vuole passare questo messaggio? Perché l’eroe della storia dovrebbe avere questa mentalità? E soprattutto perché TUTTI i personaggi maschili (e anche femminili il più delle volte) hanno questa concezione? E’ impossibile. Siano essi timidi o spavaldi, ricchi o poveri, coraggiosi guerrieri o studiosi integerrimi, alla fine la pensano sempre in questo modo… Ahimé perché nessuno si ribella? Perché non si torna alla descrizione di eroi quali erano Fitzwilliam Darcy o Gilbert Blythe?
Per il resto il romanzo è una storia semplice senza né alti né bassi, in cui la Scozia (che l’autrice dovrebbe conoscere bene dal momento che suo marito è originario di questa terra e vanno spesso a visitarla) non riesce ad emergere per la sua bellezza selvaggia e i personaggi rimangono poco approfonditi.
Per la recensione completa visita il mio blog: https://dilettanicastro.blogspot.com/...
Passiamo quindi agli elementi (due in particolare) che non mi sono piaciuti.
Il primo è la visione della chiesa che viene proposta. Il monastero in cui vengono accolti Keira e Liam poteva essere un luogo estremamente interessante da descrivere e ricco di spunti narrativi. Purtroppo la Howell ha voluto cedere il fianco ad accuse non troppo velate molto in voga ormai nella letteratura moderna. Se da una parte poteva essere interessante il personaggio di Kester, novizio al monastero perché obbligato dalla famiglia ad abbracciare la fede pur non avendo la vocazione (peccato che complessivamente il personaggio non venga troppo approfondito e chissà se sarà il protagonista di qualche romanzo futuro della saga, vista la sua giovanissima età), dall’altra ho trovato esagerata la presenza di monaci che tentano di violentare Keira perché desiderosi della sua carne (senza avere almeno un contraltare di uomini veramente di fede all’interno del monastero). Quello che spiazza è la moda sempre più diffusa di tratteggiare uomini di Chiesa che in realtà non hanno idea di cosa sia Dio e non sanno quale sia la loro missione nel mondo (e dire che di esempi notevoli ve ne sono stati e ve ne sono molti). Peccato aver sprecato un’occasione per raccontare questa realtà medievale, in cui si potevano descrivere luci ed ombre (ma non solo le ombre!).
Il secondo elemento che non ho apprezzato è legato ad un’altra deriva del romance più recente: il sesso. E non per la descrizione poco gradevole di scene intime che di fatto allentano la tensione narrativa, ma per il modo in cui viene passato il concetto che i rapporti tra un uomo e una donna non siano un dono esclusivo e prezioso, ma che, viceversa, viene visto come piacere puro e semplice (che poi esista l’amore è un altro conto, quello verrà prima o poi, ma intanto perché aspettarlo? Andiamo con chi ci capita, sia essa una cameriera, una sguattera o chiunque respiri). Perché si vuole passare questo messaggio? Perché l’eroe della storia dovrebbe avere questa mentalità? E soprattutto perché TUTTI i personaggi maschili (e anche femminili il più delle volte) hanno questa concezione? E’ impossibile. Siano essi timidi o spavaldi, ricchi o poveri, coraggiosi guerrieri o studiosi integerrimi, alla fine la pensano sempre in questo modo… Ahimé perché nessuno si ribella? Perché non si torna alla descrizione di eroi quali erano Fitzwilliam Darcy o Gilbert Blythe?
Per il resto il romanzo è una storia semplice senza né alti né bassi, in cui la Scozia (che l’autrice dovrebbe conoscere bene dal momento che suo marito è originario di questa terra e vanno spesso a visitarla) non riesce ad emergere per la sua bellezza selvaggia e i personaggi rimangono poco approfonditi.
Per la recensione completa visita il mio blog: https://dilettanicastro.blogspot.com/...
October 15, 2024
A Wonderful Adventure with a Family of the Padt
Have thoroughly enjoyed reading another captivating edition of the Murray Family & their relatives. Each story has been a delight… meeting new family clans & how each couple learns to understand each other & learn to work, live, & love each other. Although I have not read every book in the series, I suspect, I plan to continue reading them until I have!!! Having traveled a great deal throughout the British Isles but with the author’s descriptive words, my visual imagination, & having travel the country roads plus seeing countless castles, keeps, & olden structures, each book is like watching an endearing & memorabilia movie filled with engaging adventures, intrigued, some mystery, & heartwarming romance! So thank you!
Have thoroughly enjoyed reading another captivating edition of the Murray Family & their relatives. Each story has been a delight… meeting new family clans & how each couple learns to understand each other & learn to work, live, & love each other. Although I have not read every book in the series, I suspect, I plan to continue reading them until I have!!! Having traveled a great deal throughout the British Isles but with the author’s descriptive words, my visual imagination, & having travel the country roads plus seeing countless castles, keeps, & olden structures, each book is like watching an endearing & memorabilia movie filled with engaging adventures, intrigued, some mystery, & heartwarming romance! So thank you!
September 20, 2019
This is the 11th book in the Murray family series. Liam woke up from being horribly beaten. The first thing he sees is Keira a woman who turns out to be a healer. He is smitten with her immediately. But their courtship is not without trials and war. His past is knocking on his door. Her past is brutal and with much violence but she must go back and save the people from her dead husbands keep. A viscous knight has stolen the keep that is now hers. Both working together they just might right the many wrongs. And the journey is not without the rest of the clans coming to join them. I had read this years ago and loved it then.
November 9, 2022
Thanks NetGalley for this copy!
I am a sucker for a sweet Highland romance, and this one didn’t disappoint. It was the kind of fluffy read that’s perfect for a rainy day.
I loved the banter between the MCs, although sometimes it was a little predictable. There was plenty of action, lots of romance, and some beautiful friendships.
I’d recommend this one to a fellow Scottish romance lover for sure.
I am a sucker for a sweet Highland romance, and this one didn’t disappoint. It was the kind of fluffy read that’s perfect for a rainy day.
I loved the banter between the MCs, although sometimes it was a little predictable. There was plenty of action, lots of romance, and some beautiful friendships.
I’d recommend this one to a fellow Scottish romance lover for sure.
November 28, 2023
3 stars is a bit much, but two would be too low. It's a nice pallete cleanser or good when you don't feel like reading, but you want to get out of your slump. Of course it's predictable, of course it's cheesy and even cringe. It felt like a very simplified version of Outlander. Very, very simplified. But I have a soft spot for Scotts men, so I might try out some of the other books from this series. Maybe.
March 10, 2025
Just don’t like the fact that he had many paramours rushing towards him at differen times when Keira was nearby, watching all that unfold. Felt so bad for her. Presence of MMC’s legions of women always annoy me for some reason, I could make do with zero reminders of his past promiscuity. But despite all that, I love how this book tackles the issue of handling one’s jealousy stemming from her partner’s sexual past and the regret of the hero of his free favours, just because it has upset her.
August 7, 2021
Nonostante il romanzo contenga i tipici cliché di un romance medioevale ambientato in Scozia l’autrice è riuscita a renderlo particolare. I due protagonisti risultano credibili. Forse rispetto ad altri romanzi il lato guerriero é meno spiccato. Scorrevole, romantico, passionale e a volte divertente. Carino.
June 27, 2018
I enjoyed this so much. Such a sweet little story, and the characters were really wonderful to read. The plot twisted a lot, and so it felt a little longer than I expected, but still very enjoyable. <3
March 6, 2020
Hannah and Highland
Hannah and Highland together always is a winning combination. She knows how to create a flawed, but perfect Scottish Hero to match with a vulnerable, yet strong Scottish woman.
Hannah and Highland together always is a winning combination. She knows how to create a flawed, but perfect Scottish Hero to match with a vulnerable, yet strong Scottish woman.
May 9, 2020
Hannah Howell always delivers a delightful tale.
Since I started reading her books over the last decade +, she has always been able to take me to historical Scotland and deliver a wonderful romance. LOVE her stories!
Since I started reading her books over the last decade +, she has always been able to take me to historical Scotland and deliver a wonderful romance. LOVE her stories!
December 16, 2020
This was along with one of the first Hannah Howell Books I read. I did not read in any order and it does pay to read in order as it is easier to follow the characters especially if you go back to read the series.
September 7, 2022
Loved Liam & Keira! I loved that Liam instantly gave up his old life for her. Keira was a good character but didn't seem as "deep" as Liam. I also missed reading about Keira's Murray cousins, who weren't really included in this book. Otherwise a great story!
June 24, 2017
Tras 11 libros, este me ha gustado de los que más
June 15, 2018
A hot Scot?Yes please!😘😚😍
June 27, 2019
Bonita historia
March 10, 2020
Great book
Really good book. Wish there was more healing and less sexual content. It didn't balance out well. The story line was good
Really good book. Wish there was more healing and less sexual content. It didn't balance out well. The story line was good
March 23, 2020
I really liked this book( and I read a lot of highlanders romances. Good story and great believable likable characters.
July 24, 2020
Felt it was kinda cheesy, did not care for it, it was difficult to finish.
August 3, 2020
I loved reading this book. Hannah Howell writes so well that I laughed and cried through this book. Can't wait to read more.
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November 12, 2020"that glare had been so sharp he was surprised he was not bleeding."
"give up the guilt keira. ye are the only one who thinks ye have earned it."
"give up the guilt keira. ye are the only one who thinks ye have earned it."
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